Australia Women clinched the 2nd T20I against New Zealand Women by 29 runs at Mackay on Sunday (September 22), taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Batting first, Australia posted 142, led by Alyssa Healy’s quickfire 38, while Ashleigh Gardner’s 3/17 with the ball secured the win. New Zealand’s chase faltered despite Suzie Bates’ solid start, as Australia’s bowling attack proved too strong.
Australia’s top order sets the tone
Australia’s innings began with a bang, as Healy displayed her trademark aggression at the top of the order. Smashing 38 off 25 balls, including 6 boundaries, Healy looked in complete control, guiding Australia to 71/2 by the 10th over. Her sharp stroke play set the tempo for Australia’s innings, but the side lost momentum when Beth Mooney (10 off 7) and Ellyse Perry (34 off 33) fell. Perry, known for her ability to anchor an innings, struggled to accelerate during her stay, adding pressure on the middle order. Despite a solid foundation, Australia’s batters found it difficult to capitalize, with wickets falling in quick succession after Healy’s dismissal.
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Amelia Kerr’s brilliance with the ball
Amelia Kerr was the standout performer for New Zealand with a brilliant spell of 4/20 in her allotted four overs. Her smart bowling variations kept the Australian batters in check, especially during the crucial middle overs. Kerr’s most impactful moments came when she dismissed the dangerous Gardner and the ever-reliable Tahlia McGrath, sending Australia’s middle-order into disarray. Kerr’s ability to extract turn and bounce on a slow surface left the batters guessing, while her control over line and length ensured the runs dried up. Brooke Halliday supported Kerr with a couple of key wickets, including the dismissal of the hard-hitting Annabel Sutherland, keeping Australia to a below-par total of 142.
New Zealand’s struggle with the bat
In pursuit of 143, New Zealand’s chase never truly got going, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Bates, opening the innings, stood tall with a patient 34 off 34 deliveries, anchoring one end. However, she received little support from her teammates as Georgia Plimmer (9 off 16) and Amelia Kerr (6 off 11) fell cheaply. The dismissal of Sophie Devine for just 4 further compounded New Zealand’s troubles, as they slumped to 66/4 by the 13th over. Although Maddy Green (22 off 18) and Isabella Gaze (18* off 17) attempted to revive the innings, the mounting required rate and tight Australian bowling ensured that New Zealand could only muster 113/7 in their 20 overs, falling 29 runs short.
Ashleigh Gardner’s game-changing spell
Gardner was instrumental in Australia’s victory, delivering a match-defining spell of 3/17 in her four overs. Coming into the attack when New Zealand’s chase was still in its infancy, Gardner provided the crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green, both of whom were looking dangerous. Gardner’s off-spin proved particularly effective on the Mackay surface, where she consistently turned the ball away from the right-handers, forcing errors. Alongside her, Sutherland (1/18) and Darcie Brown (1/21) applied relentless pressure, ensuring that New Zealand never gained any momentum in their chase. Gardner’s spell not only halted New Zealand’s progress but also swung the match decisively in Australia’s favor, sealing the series win.
A gritty win on the board! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/evNEO8WmUz
— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) September 22, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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